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Lexus RC 200t: Coming to America?

Many years ago I did a lot of complaining about cars available in Europe that people in the United States weren’t able to own.

A lot has changed since then. Small economical cars and efficient diesels are now available on these shores, including the likes of FIAT and Alfa Romeo. We don’t have as many station wagons or hot hatches (the scorching new Honda Civic Type R won’t be sold here), but for the most part the cars here are just as cool as the cars there.

Lexus might tip the scales back in Europe’s favor, but if history is any indication, it won’t be long before new models introduced there end up over here.

The RC200t receives the engine already doing service in the Lexus NX200t crossover, albeit with six more horses and 30Nm more torque. The RC ditches the torque-converter six-speed auto in the NX for a slicker eight-speed unit. The RC200t is capable of 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds, and goes on to a top speed of 143mph. Those numbers are broadly comparable to those of a BMW 420i.

This car is a natural to be sold here but as of now it’s strictly European fare.

But we know the game Lexus likes to play. Remember the 2016 Lexus IS 200t? It’ll replace the IS 250 and was first announced for Europe. Just a few weeks later, Lexus said it would come to the States. I fully expect the same thing to happen again.

The Lexus RC 200t will do battle with the BMW 4 Series, Audi A5, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe. That’s stiff competition, and historically Lexus has had trouble competing with the Germans.

This could be the car that makes Lexus relevant again… assuming it’s sold here.

1 Comment

The point you are missing in asking the question, would I buy a Toyota over a BMW is an overwhelmingly YES. Why? Because the Toyota is going to be trouble free 15 years from now. The BMW will barely make it part the Warranty before it has to live in the shop, like all BMWs and German cars do.